C&G in ceramics

2 years graphic art college "Le 75" in Brussels.

Studio U2-115, Thames side studios, Harrington way, SE185NR

Member of Art Plumstead

Plumstead Open Studios for the last 6 years.

One Residency in Art Fix Woolwich.

 

Worked as a freelance French teacher from 1988 to 2021.

Full time carer and art facilitator since 2021 to date.

 

Exhibitions and craft fairs in Thames Side Studios Gallery, Plumstead Open Studios, Woolwhich Front Room, Art Fix, Derby's Art House, Age exchange Blackheath, Shrewsbury House SE18, Polish Centre Lewisham, Lewisham library, Bethlem Gallery, Charlton house, Greenwich market, St Michael and All angels Blackheath and plenty other cafés across London. 

 

Belgo-Congolese-French background.

 

A resident of SE London for over 30 years

 

I grew up in the Congo with 5 siblings, all sorts of wild creatures in a green,lush, gorgeous and stressful environment. From the get go, my parents took a great interest in Congolese art. This impressed upon me that art was a universal language, a cultural expression of equal value across Flanders,France and the Congo. It mattered. It told stories and connected people. However, according to my parents, my sister was a better artist, I a better linguist. I was misunderstood but obedient. I love my sister's work, and she is indeed talented. I do speak three languages, but I always created. At 14 years of age, I resolved art would be my future.

 

I lacked self discipline, I smoked too much, I had to work, I had children, but I stayed with it. I always created. Painted, sketched, indulged in land art, beach art, collage and poured my soul into it. It felt true. It felt right, it was my voice, I would not be silenced. 

 

When I tried ceramics for the first time at the age of 35, I was hooked. This material was phenomenal. It felt like the wet warm rich soil of central Africa, it was shapeless and wanted me to give it form. It kept me entertained and curious as it demanded compromise. It taught me discipline. 

 

Oftentimes, a feeling will become a "vision". It will grow within me and when the time is right, I answer the urge to create IT. The motivation is to communicate this to others. Obstacles encountered in the making of the piece are part of the battle. They keep me interested. They teach me to stick at something, to overcome frustration. To trust in myself. To problem solve and hope for the best. 

Through my work, I will in turn desire to share a simple joy, work through emotions or respond to social currents.  I am always profoundly touched, and grateful when something I have created chimes with someone else. 

 

I mostly sketch, paint in acrylics and work with clay. Environmentally minded and a fan of nature, I love upcycling, making hanging pieces for the garden or the home using finds from walks on the beach or my local woodland and pieces of broken jewellery from past lives....